The upcoming 2016 Toyota Prius is arguably the most radical redesign of this ubiquitous hybrid car since the second-generation model made its debut in 2004. While we had a preview last month, Toyota has recently shared more details about the upcoming 2016 Prius.
Bumper-to-Bumper Redesign Automakers are just as footloose with the word “new” as are software companies, but the 2016 Prius really has received a wheels-up redesign. Key to the new is an all-new platform with a promised sportier feel. Toyota also lowered the front seating position by 2.3 inches, redesigned the seats, and repositioned the controls to make the Prius feel more like a conventional car.
Improved Engine, More Power The 1.8-liter gasoline engine has been redesigned for greater efficiency; in fact, Toyota claims its 40 percent maximum thermal efficiency is the highest level in a mass-produced gasoline engine. Specs have not been formally announced for U.S. versions of the 2016 Prius, but a power increase over the outgoing model is expected.
Improved Fuel Economy Toyota has promised a 10 percent increase in the Prius' fuel economy. Reductions in both the weight and complexity of the hybrid powertrain are largely responsible for the increases. Innovations with the heating system also contribute, with active shutters opening and closing the grille as necessary in response to outside temperatures. You can choose between a nickel-metal hydride and a lithium-ion battery pack, with each touting increased energy density with the redesign. For the ultimate in fuel efficiency, Toyota will offer an Eco model certain to appeal to dedicated hypermilers.
A Sportier Drive Toyota is determined to put the Prius' reputation as an appliance-like snoozer to rest. The 2016 Prius will be fitted with a fully independent rear suspension to improve handling response and ride comfort. Toyota has increased the use of high-strength steel in the Prius' bodywork, boosting torsional rigidity, which in turn also bolsters crash protection.
Smart Power Mode As with the current Prius, the new car will have a few driving modes, including a Power mode. In a new twist, this model will use acceleration and lateral G-force sensors to detect when it is being driven enthusiastically, and it will sharpen both throttle and braking response.
More Trunk Space By improving the energy density of the hybrid battery, Toyota has been able to reduce its size and place it under the rear seat, freeing up additional cargo space. Toyota claims a 2-cubic-foot increase for Japanese-market models; official EPA cargo volume for the U.S.-market Prius has not been announced.
Occupant-Sensing Climate Control The new Prius' air conditioning system uses the seats' occupant sensors to determine if the front and rear passenger seats are occupied, and it directs airflow accordingly.
Good-Bye LED, Hello LCD The center information display—which on the current Prius bears a troubling resemblance to a 1980s-era Speak & Spell—has been replaced by a full-color LCD screen. The 2016 Prius will also offer a color head-up display, which projects information like speed and next-turn directions into the windshield.
A Full Safety Suite Using both a camera and radar, the 2016 Prius will offer a long list of active safety features, including collision avoidance and mitigation with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and a parking assistance system.
AWD Option Reportedly to be available in 6-18 mos after initial roll-out.
The new 2016 Prius will arrive at dealerships early next year.
One of the main issues with the previous Prius was rear seat headroom. For a car of this size, if you can't fit two 6-footers comfortably in the back seat then you just lost a lot of sales. Everything else seems great about the car...better cargo space, better MPG, better dash layout, etc but if they would have just started the back roof curve a few more inches to the rear they would have had a real winner.
That's one thing about our Prius V I like is the increased headroom, although it's not apparent if you read the Prius V specs for rear headroom, which must have been measured with the seats fully upright, versus slightly reclined in the manner that most people would use them.
My dealer is telling me that I can get a very good deal on a 2015 Prius right now. I think that that 2016 version is pretty close to release. Any word on when the 2016 will arrive at the showrooms?
My dealer is telling me that I can get a very good deal on a 2015 Prius right now. I think that that 2016 version is pretty close to release. Any word on when the 2016 will arrive at the showrooms?
Don't know when the 2016's will be available, but I will agree with what your dealer told you about the 2015's. Low gas prices and lots of inventory make for some incredible deals.
With current gas prices, I don't think it is worth spending money on Prius. Please check other cars. I am current owner of Prius, I regret for buying this car. Sorry for disappointing you.
Some impressions from a twenty minute test drive of a 2016 Prius Four today. MSRP $30,463. Nice Blizzard Pearl color, great for my climate. Interior is black with that white kitchen sink console. Hm, not a fan.
Pros:
Comfy seats, nicely bolstered.
Quiet around town (bit of wind noise on the freeway coming from the area of the side view mirrors).
Plenty peppy, drove mostly in Normal mode with some bursts in Power mode. Didn't mess around in Eco mode much.
Nav and Apps were intuitive. 6" screen was plenty big enough.
AC was strong (it was 85 during our test drive).
Steering wheel controls and cruise were mostly intuitive. The screen changing button for the upper gauges/info screen was a bit confusing to a newbie.
Ample power ports, one USB that I noticed.
Front cockpit knee room was okay - it bugs me if I bump my knees when I'm cruising along. The upper "white" part of the console stuck out a wee bit - the part with the Park button.
MPG - we were getting around 42 on a new car with lots of use of the power mode.
Blind side warning - this was the most impressive feature to me. Worked well, nice to have without being intrusive.
15" wheels (one of my peeves are tires that are needlessly big).
Cons:
Bit of wind noise on highway.
Swoopy on the inside for no real reason. The "upper armrest" would have been more comfortable had it been straight but it was still fat enough to rest your arm on if you like to cruise with the windows down so you can sunburn your left arm.
I found it hard to see the upper gauges. Too much glare or something, and the screen real estate is pretty narrow up there. Would rather go old school and have centered gauges or a heads up display for mph.
The white kitchen sink console isn't attractive.
The rear floor isn't flat. I slide a lot of stuff into the back of my rides and having that ~2" step would bug me.
No spare nor does it appear that there's room for a compact spare.
The front overhang concerns me a bit. We live on a gravel road with one steep dip going through an arroyo and there's not much ground clearance on a Prius to begin with.
Don't care about the CD player.
Overall impressions.
I was a bit disappointed in this model. We had rented a 2014 Prius Two for two weeks in December and enjoyed it a lot. Even though the 2016 is supposedly roomier, it didn't really feel that way. Certainly could live with it, but I'm still liking the higher seating position of the Soul. Easier in and out and better cargo management (we tend to carry stuff more than people).
Comments
Consumer Reports checks out the redesigned hybrid
By Aaron Gold
October 27, 2015
Exterior Pic Links:
Front Quarter: https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AMHC6BBVMRl5cu89jBMD4RhQ9oM=/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4040906/Prius_01.0.jpg
Rear Quarter: http://gas2.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/2016-Toyota-Prius-2.jpg
The upcoming 2016 Toyota Prius is arguably the most radical redesign of this ubiquitous hybrid car since the second-generation model made its debut in 2004. While we had a preview last month, Toyota has recently shared more details about the upcoming 2016 Prius.
Bumper-to-Bumper Redesign
Automakers are just as footloose with the word “new” as are software companies, but the 2016 Prius really has received a wheels-up redesign. Key to the new is an all-new platform with a promised sportier feel. Toyota also lowered the front seating position by 2.3 inches, redesigned the seats, and repositioned the controls to make the Prius feel more like a conventional car.
Improved Engine, More Power
The 1.8-liter gasoline engine has been redesigned for greater efficiency; in fact, Toyota claims its 40 percent maximum thermal efficiency is the highest level in a mass-produced gasoline engine. Specs have not been formally announced for U.S. versions of the 2016 Prius, but a power increase over the outgoing model is expected.
Improved Fuel Economy
Toyota has promised a 10 percent increase in the Prius' fuel economy. Reductions in both the weight and complexity of the hybrid powertrain are largely responsible for the increases. Innovations with the heating system also contribute, with active shutters opening and closing the grille as necessary in response to outside temperatures. You can choose between a nickel-metal hydride and a lithium-ion battery pack, with each touting increased energy density with the redesign. For the ultimate in fuel efficiency, Toyota will offer an Eco model certain to appeal to dedicated hypermilers.
A Sportier Drive
Toyota is determined to put the Prius' reputation as an appliance-like snoozer to rest. The 2016 Prius will be fitted with a fully independent rear suspension to improve handling response and ride comfort. Toyota has increased the use of high-strength steel in the Prius' bodywork, boosting torsional rigidity, which in turn also bolsters crash protection.
Smart Power Mode
As with the current Prius, the new car will have a few driving modes, including a Power mode. In a new twist, this model will use acceleration and lateral G-force sensors to detect when it is being driven enthusiastically, and it will sharpen both throttle and braking response.
More Trunk Space
By improving the energy density of the hybrid battery, Toyota has been able to reduce its size and place it under the rear seat, freeing up additional cargo space. Toyota claims a 2-cubic-foot increase for Japanese-market models; official EPA cargo volume for the U.S.-market Prius has not been announced.
Occupant-Sensing Climate Control
The new Prius' air conditioning system uses the seats' occupant sensors to determine if the front and rear passenger seats are occupied, and it directs airflow accordingly.
Good-Bye LED, Hello LCD
The center information display—which on the current Prius bears a troubling resemblance to a 1980s-era Speak & Spell—has been replaced by a full-color LCD screen. The 2016 Prius will also offer a color head-up display, which projects information like speed and next-turn directions into the windshield.
Interior Pic Links:
1) http://toyotaspecs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/2016-toyota-prius-c-interior-3.jpg
2) http://toyotacarhq.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/2016-Toyota-Prius-V-interior.jpg
Note: Pics are of prototypes and are subject to change for final US street version (ie, speedometer display/dash layout design/location, gear shift placement, glove box/storage, etc).
A Full Safety Suite
Using both a camera and radar, the 2016 Prius will offer a long list of active safety features, including collision avoidance and mitigation with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and a parking assistance system.
AWD Option
Reportedly to be available in 6-18 mos after initial roll-out.
The new 2016 Prius will arrive at dealerships early next year.
Check the link: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1100458_2016-toyota-prius-some-model-and-trim-level-information-revealed
That's one thing about our Prius V I like is the increased headroom, although it's not apparent if you read the Prius V specs for rear headroom, which must have been measured with the seats fully upright, versus slightly reclined in the manner that most people would use them.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
In addition to the new model and cheap gas, it's also Toyota's December to Remember sale.
Let us know how it goes - I recently spent 11 days cruising 1900 miles in a 2014 Two and it was a nice ride.
Pros:
- Comfy seats, nicely bolstered.
- Quiet around town (bit of wind noise on the freeway coming from the area of the side view mirrors).
- Plenty peppy, drove mostly in Normal mode with some bursts in Power mode. Didn't mess around in Eco mode much.
- Nav and Apps were intuitive. 6" screen was plenty big enough.
- AC was strong (it was 85 during our test drive).
- Steering wheel controls and cruise were mostly intuitive. The screen changing button for the upper gauges/info screen was a bit confusing to a newbie.
- Ample power ports, one USB that I noticed.
- Front cockpit knee room was okay - it bugs me if I bump my knees when I'm cruising along. The upper "white" part of the console stuck out a wee bit - the part with the Park button.
- MPG - we were getting around 42 on a new car with lots of use of the power mode.
- Blind side warning - this was the most impressive feature to me. Worked well, nice to have without being intrusive.
- 15" wheels (one of my peeves are tires that are needlessly big).
Cons:- Bit of wind noise on highway.
- Swoopy on the inside for no real reason. The "upper armrest" would have been more comfortable had it been straight but it was still fat enough to rest your arm on if you like to cruise with the windows down so you can sunburn your left arm.
- I found it hard to see the upper gauges. Too much glare or something, and the screen real estate is pretty narrow up there. Would rather go old school and have centered gauges or a heads up display for mph.
- The white kitchen sink console isn't attractive.
- The rear floor isn't flat. I slide a lot of stuff into the back of my rides and having that ~2" step would bug me.
- No spare nor does it appear that there's room for a compact spare.
- The front overhang concerns me a bit. We live on a gravel road with one steep dip going through an arroyo and there's not much ground clearance on a Prius to begin with.
- Don't care about the CD player.
Overall impressions.I was a bit disappointed in this model. We had rented a 2014 Prius Two for two weeks in December and enjoyed it a lot. Even though the 2016 is supposedly roomier, it didn't really feel that way. Certainly could live with it, but I'm still liking the higher seating position of the Soul. Easier in and out and better cargo management (we tend to carry stuff more than people).